If I was letting “friends” stay with me but ended up kicking them out, what can I do with the belongings that they left behind?
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If I was letting “friends” stay with me but ended up kicking them out, what can I do with the belongings that they left behind?
My friends were living in my house for free. They payed no bills and were never on a lease of any kind. I have kicked them out but there possesions still remain in my house.
Asked on June 17, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can't simply dispose of the belongings but have to give them a chance to claim them. Send a written notice, some way you can prove delivery, stating that if they do not reclaim their belongings in 30 days, they will be considered abandoned and disposed of. Send a follow up after 15 or so days, also some way you can prove delivery. If after, say, 35 - 40 days (give them a few extra), they've not come for their belongings, you should be able to dispose of them.
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